Work is important. But it's at least as valuable to do *nothing* sometimes. To recover regularly, clear your head, and have time for your friends, family, and hobbies. You have a legal right to leave and holidays. Unfortunately, it's not always straightforward to get time off. Annoying, and risky: workload, stress, and burnouts are lurking.
What should I pay attention to?
Everyone in employment is legally entitled to four weeks' holiday per year. More precisely, four times your weekly number of working hours. So, if you work 32 hours a week, you are entitled to 128 hours of holiday per year. These remain valid until 1 July of the following year. In addition to this, you often receive extra statutory holiday hours – these remain valid for five years. Whether this applies to you and how many you receive is stated in your contract or collective labour agreement.
What does this mean for me?
You are entitled to holiday and must be given the opportunity to take your days. In principle, your employer must also approve your holiday request. They may only refuse it if your absence endangers business operations – in which case they must inform you in writing within two weeks. If this does not happen, your request is in principle automatically approved. Always check your collective labour agreement or contract, as different arrangements might be stipulated therein.
We do this for you
Your well-being is important to us. That's why we're happy to help you with your hard-earned leave and holidays. Is your employer refusing your holiday request, or do you have questions about your right to leave? Our legal specialists are happy to advise, inform and assist you!
What do you get as a member?
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- Updates on your work, collective labour agreement & sector
- Help with work, benefits & income
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- Updates on your work, collective labour agreement & sector
- Complete help with work, benefits & income
- Newsletter
- Useful calculation tools and sample letters
- Legal advice and support
- Input into your employment terms
- Exclusive member benefits
FAQ
How many holiday days am I entitled to?
As an employee, you are always entitled to statutory holiday days. The number of holiday days you are entitled to depends on the number of hours you work per week. This is expressed in hours and amounts to four times your contract hours on an annual basis. So, if you work 40 hours per week, you are entitled to 160 holiday hours. (Which equates to 20 holiday days.) In addition to this, you may be entitled to above-statutory holiday days. We explain more about this under the third question in the ‘holiday days’ section.
Does my employer have to approve my holiday request?
In principle, your employer must approve your holiday request. Also, check the rules that apply at your employer. Your employer may only reject your holiday request if your absence jeopardises business operations. If this is the case, your employer must inform you of this in writing within two weeks. If this does not happen within two weeks, your holiday request is in principle approved.
What is arranged for doctor's and dentist's appointments during working hours?
There is no legal regulation for visiting the dentist or doctor during working hours. Whether agreements have been made about this can often be found in your collective labour agreement, employment contract, or internal company regulations. The reason for this is that many employees cannot go to a doctor, dentist, or physiotherapist at the weekend or in the evening. If nothing is stated in your collective labour agreement or company regulations, you can discuss with your employer whether you will be paid during absence.
